Figure: Fluorescence image of human steatohepatitis organoid. Green: neutral fat, red: cell membrane.
Tokyo Medical and Dental University: Steatohepatitis Symptoms ・ Reproduction in Vitro: Human Liver Organoid Culture
General Description:
We have succeeded in developing a culture technology to create human liver organoid * 2 (mini liver: multiple types of cells including immune system cells) from pluripotent stem cells * 1.
We have clarified that the characteristics of steatohepatitis * 3 (lipid accumulation, inflammation, and pathological changes of fibrosis) can be reproduced in vitro using human liver organoids.
Based on the completely new concept of “Organoid drug discovery”, it can be applied to the development of a new drug for steatohepatitis (there is no effective drug yet).
Joint research:
Tokyo Medical and Dental University Integrated Research Organization:
Saitama University Graduate School of Science and Engineering:
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital:
From human pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells and ES cells), we succeeded in creating a complex human liver organoid (mini liver) containing multiple types of cells responsible for inflammation and fibrosis.
Liver Organoid: Creation Technology
The inflammation and fibrosis characteristic of steatohepatitis, which has many patients, can be reproduced in vitro.
In addition, it can be used to evaluate new drugs that are effective for treatment.
Press Release | Tokyo Medical and Dental University